Title

Authors

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Vegetation Science

Volume

25

Issue

2

First Page

457

Last Page

469

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

Aspen forests in the northern hemisphere provide richer biodiversity compared to surrounding vegetation types. In both North America and Europe, however, aspen stands are threatened by a variety of human impacts: clear felling, land development, water diversion, fire suppression and both wild and domestic ungulate herbivory. We conducted a landscape assessment of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) for the purpose of identifying key components of resilience. Specifically, we tested novel measures linking plant–animal interactions, compared crucial functional differences in aspen types and made restorative recommendations based on the outcome of these assessments.